Northern Brewer Hops: The Unsung Hero of Brewing Beers Worth Bragging About

Reading Time: around 17 min

Northern Brewer hops have swaggered out of the mists of brewing history with their alpha acids held high. Ready to punch some personality into your pint. First bred in England during an era when mustaches were unironic.

These hops present a unique trifecta of earthy, pine, and minty notes that make them as distinctive as a hipster’s vinyl collection. If you’re all about concocting beers with character…

…then Northern Brewer might just be the ticket to your next brewing showstopper.

Crafting a beer that tickles your taste buds requires a bit of hop knowledge.

Northern Brewer hops play well with others. Especially in the classic English-style ales where they can strut their bitter and aromatic confidence. This isn’t the hop to shy away from the spotlight.

In porters, bitters, and stouts, it takes the stage and owns it. Delivering just enough bitterness to be intriguing without overpowering your delicate palate. So when you’re brewing your next barrel, consider Northern Brewer the quirky best friend.

The one that makes your favorite beer styles shine.

Key Takeaways

Northern Brewer hops offer unique flavors that shine in traditional English-style beers.
These hops pair well with malt-forward beers, providing balanced bitterness.
Northern Brewer is versatile for both bittering and adding complex aromas to your homebrew.

The Origins and Attributes of Northern Brewer Hops

You’re about to learn why Northern Brewer hops are the Mick Jagger of beer brewing. They’ve got history, and they rock a flavor that makes any craft brew sing.

A Brief History: From Germany to the Globe

Once upon a time in England, a hop was born that would become the globe-trotting rockstar of the brewing world. Northern Brewer hops kicked off their world tour shortly after being bred in the 1930s.

And then becoming wildly popular in Germany.

Initially developed for European beers, they’ve since got their roots firmly planted in the soils of the United States. And have become a favorite for homebrewers and craft breweries alike.

Genetic Makeup: Alpha and Beta Acids Unveiled

Let me break it down for you. These hops mean business with their alpha acid range of usually 6-10%. That’s the secret sauce to the bitterness that balances your brew. Sultry beta acids chip in for aroma, while myrcene adds a pinch of spice to the mix.

Then there’s humulene, which struts in with its earthy, dusky tones.

Can’t forget about the backup singers, caryophyllene and farnesene.

Adding some herbal and woody notes to your beer’s melody.

Northern Brewer hops are like that friend who’s been everywhere and seen everything. Whether it’s a cozy pub in Europe or a bustling brewery in the United States, they’ve most definitely left their mark. And a tangy, slightly minty one at that.

Crafting the Perfect Aroma

Get your nose ready, because you’re about to become a scent savant of Northern Brewer hops. They’re not just any ol’ hop; imagine them as the aromatic alchemists of your brew.

Main Characteristics

Purpose: Dual / Universal
Aromas: Resinous, Herbal, Floral
Notes: Minty, Pine, Citrus
Alpha-acids: 6.0% – 10.0% [bitterness added through boiling]
Beta-acids: 3.0% – 5.5% [bitterness added through maturation]
Cohumulone: 27% – 34% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
Hops oil breakdown: 1.0 – 2.1 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
- Myrcene: 25% – 45% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
- Humulene: 27% – 50% [noble, woody, spicy]
- Caryophyllene: 10% – 20% [spicy, piney, herbal]
- Farnesene: 0% – 1% [fresh, green, floral]

Sensory Profile: Sniffing Out the Subtleties

Your first meet-and-sniff with Northern Brewer hops is like walking into a forest…

…where the trees are having a minty party – invigorating, right?

Aroma:

Primary Notes: Resinous, Herbal
Subtle Undertones: Pine, Mint

Throw these hoppy fellows into the mix, and you’ll add layers of earthy, piney goodness that make beer enthusiasts nod in silent approval.

The Charm of Wood and Earth: Aromatic Qualities Explored

You want your beer to whisper “woodsy charm” with each sip, and Northern Brewer hops are your charismatic sidekick. Here’s why:

Woody notes: They give a nod to the great outdoors, making you fantasize about flannels and log cabins.
Minty notes: These are the hops’ secret handshake, a cool zephyr under the boughs of a sunlit forest.

By the time your brew session ends, you’ll have conjured a potion that’s unmistakably bold, yet as familiar as your favorite hiking trail. Cheers to that!

Adding the Bitter Twist

When you think Northern Brewer hops, think of the cool uncle of the beer world.

They’re all about that bitter love without stealing the show.

Bittering Properties and IBU Insights

Northern Brewer hops strut an alpha acid content that hovers around the 6-10% mark. Pretty much like your gym friend who flexes just the right amount. This alpha acid level packs a moderate bitter punch in your beers. Measuring up with the IBUs.

Imagine this: the higher the IBUs, the more your face puckers up to the bitterness.

IBUs are like the Scoville scale for beer!

IBUs: They’re essentially the punch-o-meter for your pint.

Pro Tip: Keep a keen eye on the IBU count when you’re brewing. Especially if you’re aiming for balance rather than a mouthful of hoppy pizzazz.

Balancing Act: Alpha-Beta Ratio

Let’s talk balance, and no, not the kind on a wobbly bar stool.

The alpha-beta ratio in hops is like a teeter-totter. If one end is too hefty, down it goes! With Northern Brewer, you’ve got a solid combo of moderate alpha acids and a humdinger of a flavor profile.

Alpha Acids: The heavy lifters in the bitterness department.
Beta Acids: They bring the aromatic bouquet to the nose party.
Co-Humulone: Kind of like that one cousin who’s a bit more intense than the rest of the family.

This ratio sets the stage for how your beer behaves in the bitterness arena. Too much alpha acid and you might as well be munching on a hop cone. Not enough, and where’s the fun in that?

Remember: It’s not just about the bitter boom.

It’s the dance between bitter and sweet melodies in your beer symphony.

Beer Science and Statistics

You’re about to plunge into the hoppy world of Northern Brewer hops where chemistry meets pint. Get ready for a molecular jig with a little numbers shindig.

The Chemistry of Brewing with Northern Brewer

You think potions class was cool, wait till you brew with Northern Brewer hops. They come packed with moderate alpha acids, typically between 6-10%. Which is your ticket to that bitterness you crave in a beer.

Without going off the bitter end.

The right chemistry here means balancing bitterness like a pro.

Northern Brewer hops have an alpha-beta ratio that leans into their bittering prowess. Their beta acids sit comfortably lower. Ensuring your brew has a more rounded bitter kick rather than one that knocks your palate sideways.

The Figures: From Acids to Oils

Now, let’s talk numbers, because they’re your secret brewing compass. Northern Brewer’s co-humulone levels are on the higher end. But you’re not wrestling with sharp bitterness. Instead, you’re sipping on smooth, dignified ales.

Dive into their oil composition and you’ll find a cocktail of aromatic goodness.

The total oil content ranges, but what’s really quirky is their myrcene oil content, which is like the cool, minty breezes of the forest in your mug. Let’s break it down:

Alpha Acids: 6-10%
Beta Acids: 3-5.5%
Total Oils: Varied, with high caryophyllene.
Co-Humulone: Lower, smoother bitterness.

Dust off your lab coat and get cracking. These numbers are your roadmap to beer heaven with a Northern Brewer compass.

Hopping Recommendations

Alright, my brewing partner in crime!

It’s time to get acquainted with the hop that’s as rugged and bold as a lumberjack’s beard – Northern Brewer. This hop doesn’t mess around. It’s got a woodsy charm and minty coolness that’ll make your brews stand out like a flannel shirt at a black-tie event.

First up, let’s tackle the California Common.

The beer that’s as laid-back as a surfer dude but as complex as a Silicon Valley startup. With Northern Brewer hops, you’re going to lay down a foundation that’s as solid as the Golden Gate Bridge.

Drop in 1 ounce or a tad more at the start of the boil for a full 60 minutes.

Just to give that classic firm bitterness that’s as reliable as your old van.

But wait, there’s more! With 15 minutes to go, it’s time to toss in another 0.5-0.75 ounces. This is where you’ll get that cool whisper of mint that’s as refreshing as a dip in the Pacific. And because we love to finish strong…

…add a final half-ounce at flameout.

This is like the sunset that caps off a perfect day at the beach – mellow yet memorable.

Now, let’s switch gears and talk about the trusty English Porter.

In this dark and handsome ale, Northern Brewer hops are like the mysterious stranger in the corner of the pub. Intriguing and a bit mysterious. Start with a 1-ounce addition with 60 minutes left to boil. It’s the handshake that says: “I’ve got depth.”

As the plot thickens, and you’re down to the last 15 minutes, throw in another half-ounce. This is where Northern Brewer’s earthy tones come out to play, adding layers like a good British mystery novel.

And for the grand reveal, a subtle half-ounce at flameout

It will leave a lasting impression that’s as smooth as the Queen’s English.

Style Name	Brewing Stage	Min of Oz per gallon	Max of Oz per gallon	Min of Oz per batch [5gal]	Max of Oz per batch [5gal]	Average of Oz per gallon
California Common	Aroma	0.03	0.5	0.15	2.5	0.16
	Bittering	0.03	0.5	0.17	2.5	0.16
	Dry Hop	0.04	0.45	0.21	2.23	0.17
	First Wort	0.04	0.3	0.22	1.5	0.16
	Flavor	–	1.09	0.01	5.45	0.15
	Hop Stand	0.23	0.43	1.16	2.15	0.33
	Hopback	0.17	0.38	0.87	1.92	0.28
	Whirlpool	0.04	0.67	0.18	3.34	0.2
California Common Total		–	1.09	0.01	5.45	0.16
American IPA	Aroma	0.03	0.69	0.17	3.43	0.18
	Bittering	0.02	0.71	0.1	3.53	0.18
	Dry Hop	0.02	1.23	0.11	6.15	0.28
	First Wort	0.06	0.4	0.31	2	0.17
	Flavor	0.02	0.75	0.12	3.75	0.17
	Mash	0.08	0.67	0.41	3.33	0.38
	Whirlpool	0.03	1.23	0.16	6.15	0.28
American IPA Total		0.02	1.23	0.1	6.15	0.2
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.03	0.83	0.15	4.17	0.16
	Bittering	0.01	1	0.03	5.01	0.15
	Dry Hop	0.03	0.71	0.15	3.56	0.26
	First Wort	0.04	0.36	0.18	1.82	0.14
	Flavor	0.03	1	0.13	5.01	0.13
	Hopback	0.1	0.2	0.5	1	0.15
	Whirlpool	0.07	1	0.33	5	0.26
American Pale Ale Total		0.01	1	0.03	5.01	0.16
American Amber Ale	Aroma	–	0.55	0.02	2.73	0.13
	Bittering	–	0.8	0.01	4	0.16
	Dry Hop	0.05	0.53	0.25	2.67	0.22
	First Wort	0.05	0.2	0.23	1	0.14
	Flavor	–	0.4	0.01	2	0.12
	Whirlpool	0.05	0.4	0.23	2	0.14
American Amber Ale Total		–	0.8	0.01	4	0.15
American Porter	Aroma	0.01	0.47	0.06	2.34	0.15
	Bittering	0.03	0.72	0.13	3.58	0.18
	Dry Hop	0.09	0.36	0.45	1.82	0.18
	First Wort	0.09	0.17	0.45	0.83	0.13
	Flavor	0.03	0.5	0.15	2.5	0.14
	Whirlpool	0.05	0.3	0.25	1.48	0.15
American Porter Total		0.01	0.72	0.06	3.58	0.17

Style Name	Brewing Stage	Min of Grams per liter	Max of Grams per liter	Min of Grams per batch [20ltr]	Max of Grams per batch [20ltr]	Average of Grams per liter
California Common	Aroma	0.23	3.74	4.59	74.89	1.22
	Bittering	0.25	3.74	5	74.89	1.22
	Dry Hop	0.31	3.33	6.24	66.67	1.24
	First Wort	0.33	2.25	6.67	44.93	1.19
	Flavor	0.01	8.17	0.26	163.4	1.13
	Hop Stand	1.74	3.22	34.78	64.37	2.48
	Hopback	1.3	2.88	26.09	57.61	2.09
	Whirlpool	0.27	5	5.45	100	1.47
California Common Total		0.01	8.17	0.26	163.4	1.21
American IPA	Aroma	0.26	5.14	5.2	102.71	1.37
	Bittering	0.15	5.28	3	105.6	1.37
	Dry Hop	0.17	9.22	3.33	184.35	2.1
	First Wort	0.47	3	9.36	59.91	1.26
	Flavor	0.18	5.62	3.64	112.34	1.25
	Mash	0.62	4.99	12.31	99.86	2.81
	Whirlpool	0.24	9.22	4.76	184.35	2.08
American IPA Total		0.15	9.22	3	184.35	1.51
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.22	6.25	4.44	125	1.17
	Bittering	0.04	7.5	0.75	150	1.16
	Dry Hop	0.22	5.33	4.44	106.67	1.93
	First Wort	0.27	2.72	5.45	54.47	1.05
	Flavor	0.2	7.5	3.9	150	0.97
	Hopback	0.75	1.5	14.98	29.96	1.13
	Whirlpool	0.5	7.49	10	149.78	1.96
American Pale Ale Total		0.04	7.5	0.75	150	1.21
American Amber Ale	Aroma	0.02	4.08	0.48	81.7	0.96
	Bittering	0.01	5.99	0.15	119.83	1.23
	Dry Hop	0.37	4	7.49	80	1.64
	First Wort	0.34	1.5	6.81	29.96	1.01
	Flavor	0.01	3	0.24	59.91	0.91
	Whirlpool	0.34	3	6.81	60	1.04
American Amber Ale Total		0.01	5.99	0.15	119.83	1.11
American Porter	Aroma	0.09	3.5	1.83	70	1.09
	Bittering	0.19	5.37	3.85	107.37	1.36
	Dry Hop	0.68	2.73	13.62	54.55	1.39
	First Wort	0.68	1.25	13.62	24.96	1
	Flavor	0.23	3.74	4.55	74.89	1.05
	Whirlpool	0.37	2.21	7.49	44.23	1.12
American Porter Total		0.09	5.37	1.83	107.37	1.24

*This data consists of hundreds of thousands of manually input recipes and, despite best efforts, they may contain errors leading to very high max amounts, or be someone’s attempt for experimental brew. You should consider this data more as an overview of how different ingredients were used for different styles to get inspiration. Please do not attempt to add up different lines as it’s all about proportions.

Beer Styles and Brewing Blends

Buckle up, brew lover, because Northern Brewer hops are about to give your homebrews a passport to Flavor Town. Let’s see which beer styles are ready to take a hop on the wild side.

Pale Ale Pleasures and Porter Prowess

Let’s chat about pale ales and porters, the dynamic duo where Northern Brewer hops truly strut their stuff. Seriously, if hops had legs, these beauties would moonwalk across your palate.

For Pale Ales:

California Common / Steam Beer: You’ve found a match brewed in craft beer heaven. Northern Brewer hops give these beers an herbal, rustic charm that’ll make your taste buds tingle like they’ve been whispered sweet nothings.
English Pale Ale: Fancy a bitter with a stiff upper lip? The woody and minty notes here add a twinkle of British sophistication to the balanced bitterness.

For Porters:

Coffee Porter: Imagine this: a roasted, toasty warm hug of a beer with a minty kick at the end. Cheeky? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely.

Beyond Ales: Versatility in Various Viands

All right, so “viands” might be pushing it, but work with me. Northern Brewer hops have a talent for shaking hands and making friends with a wide range of beer styles.

Think of them as the life of the party in your brew kettle.

Kölsch & Munich Helles: These German pals love the subtle herbaceous wink Northern Brewer hops bring without stealing the malty spotlight.
ESB & Ordinary Bitter: Nothing ordinary here. Give your ESB a sprig of minty, piney freshness that’s as comforting as your favorite jumper.
Red Ale & New England IPA: Red ale gets a resinous spruce-up, while that cloudy NEIPA finds its edge with a little herbal intrigue.

You see, the beauty of Northern Brewer hops is that they’re like that one friend who’s up for anything. Sprinting through hoppy fields of IPAs or chilling in a malty wheat beer, they’re your hoppy chameleon.

Ready to rock any style you throw into the mix. So go on, get brewing!

Complementary Flavors and Substitution Savvy

So, you’re diving into the world of Northern Brewer hops, huh? Great choice! These hops are the Swiss Army knife of brewing. But you know what makes them even better? Pairing them with the right buddies.

Let’s dive into the hoppy details!

Pairing Perfection: Flavor Companions

Ready to brew a beer that’s as well-rounded as your favorite vinyl record? Northern Brewer hops will give your brews a harmonious balance of earthy and minty notes. They’re like the best backup singers to your beer’s lead vocals.

For Stouts and Browns: The earthy character of these hops gives a solid foundation to the bold, dark, and beautiful world of stouts and brown ales.
Flavor Profile: Herbal whispers meet robust earthiness with a touch of woodsy magic. Think of a forest retreat bottled up in a brew.

Pro-tip: Use them when brewing English-style ales. Their flavor won’t overwhelm you, but they’ll make you pause and ponder. “Is this what woodland sprite ale tastes like?”

Hops-wise? Northern Brewer loves to hang out with Willamette. It’s like the peanut butter to its jelly – trust me on this one. And if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some Cascade for a citrusy twist.

It’s like adding a splash of lime to your beer cocktail.

Oh, and don’t forget about pairing it with Simcoe or Amarillo.These two are like the dynamic duo of hops. Together, they bring out the best in each other – kind of like you and me on a Friday night. Alright, I’ll stop right there.

Swap Meet: Northern Brewer Hop Substitutes

Alrighty, let’s say the hop apocalypse hits, and you can’t find Northern Brewer hops.

No sweat! Here’s your substitution cheat sheet:

Chinook: Comes in swinging with piny and spicy punches. A bold stand-in, kind of like your brash cousin who crashes your fancy dinner party.
Galena: It’s got bitterness locked down. Think of Galena as the understudy that gets standing ovations for its surprisingly versatile performance.
Magnum: Clean bitterness, no frills. Magnum is the strong, silent type that does its job impeccably without stealing the show.
Hallertau & East Kent Golding: For a softer touch and noble sophistication, Hallertau and East Kent Golding can step in. They’re like the quaint old bookshops of hops – timeless and charming.

Remember, though, that while these substitutes can mimic the bitterness, some can throw the flavor off-key. So, choose wisely. You wouldn’t toss jalapeños into a fruit salad now, would you?

The Homebrewer’s Corner

Let me give you the inside scoop. Northern Brewer hops aren’t just a one-trick pony in the homebrewing world. They pack a punch with versatility and a unique hop profile. And you, my dear brewmaster-in-the-making…

…are about to become best buddies with them.

Tips and Tricks for the Aspiring Brewmaster

If you’re looking to add that certain je ne sais quoi to your ales, Northern Brewer hops should be your go-to. These bad boys boast a moderate alpha acid content of around 6-10%.

Giving your beer just the right amount of bitterness without hogging the limelight.

Their oil composition, including myrcene, is high. Which means you get to play with a symphony of woodsy, minty, and somewhat earthy undertones.

Use Northern Brewer For: Traditional English-style ales (think porters, stouts, even the beloved bitters).
Keep an Eye On: The total oils when purchasing your hops, as they dictate the final aroma of your beer.
Remember: Less can be more. Given their potency, start with a conservative amount and adjust to taste in future brews.

Honestly, with hops as versatile as these, you’ll be like a kid in a candy store.

Just try not to go overboard – your beer isn’t a hop soup!

Cultivating Knowledge: A Guide to Growing Hops at Home

Ever daydreamed about harvesting your own hop rhizomes in the backyard? With us Northern Brewer hops, that dream is totally achievable. They’re like the potatoes of the hop world. Plant them and watch them go nuts, in the best possible way, of course.

But, let’s break it down:

Find the Perfect Spot: Lots of sunlight, good drainage. Hops love the sun like a cat loves a warm lap.
Planting: Like proud parents, give those hop rhizomes space to thrive. I’m talking about spacing them a few feet apart.
Care: Water, but don’t waterlog them. Think of them like that friend who loves a good drink but can’t handle too many.

By the way, keep an eye on them as they grow. They’re climbers and will reach for the skies faster than your beer disappears at a BBQ. When it’s harvest time, you’ll feel like a proud hop farmer.

And let me tell you, it’s a good look for you.

Harvesting and Utilizing Northern Brewer Hops

When it’s hop season, you’re talking about crunch time for beer lovers. Think of hop harvesting as the hop olympics. A process that takes careful timing and precision to ensure those Northern Brewer hops are in their prime when they hit your brew.

From Field to Froth: The Hop Harvesting Process

As you eagerly await to snatch up your hop bounty…

…remember that timing is everything.

You want to get your hop cones during their peak, which requires regularly feeling them up to check for the ideal balance of moisture and papery texture.

Depending on your local climate, Northern Brewer hops typically reach this perfection somewhere between late summer and early fall.

If you’re pulling fresh hops straight off the bine (yep, bine, not vine), you’re in for a treat. The bonus of plucking them yourself is leaving the bine behind to decommission like a spent stage of a rocket.

Sending nutrients back into the mother earth for next year’s batch.

As for the cones you’ve harvested, they can strut their stuff as a late addition or for dry hopping. To add that signature Northern Brewer zing to your beers, like a hop-bursted IPA.

Quantity Queries: How Much Hops to Heap

Now let’s talk turkey about how much of these hops you need to hurl into your brew. It’s not an exact science. More like an art form. Here’s a quick guide to get you started.

Bittering. If you’re using Northern Brewer as the gatekeeper of bitterness, you might drop in about 0.5 to 1 ounce per 5 gallons. Remember, these hops pack more alpha acid than a German variety so go easy, tiger.

And by the way has that lovely minty evergreen kick.

Aroma & Flavor. Looking for that earthy, piney undertone that whispers “Northern Brewer” in your English-style ale? Slide in 0.5 ounces during the last 15 minutes of the boil. And if you’re going big with dry hopping, a 0.5 to 1 ounce will do the trick.

Infusing your beer with a personality as distinctive as a British accent.

So there you have it. Keep these tips up your sleeve, and you’ll be turning those Northern Brewer hops into liquid gold before you can say “Cheers!”

Damian

A lifelong learner, hop enthusiast and a lover of the state of extreme exhaustion.

Finance Analyst in the Investment Bank and co-founder of hopsmatcher.com